1996 Lincoln Continental
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 84 |
| 1989 | 158 |
| 1990 | 158 |
| 1991 | 203 |
| 1992 | 126 |
| 1993 | 121 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 70 |
| 1996 | 48 |
| 1997 | 96 |
| 1998 | 72 |
| 1999 | 42 |
| 2000 | 63 |
| 2001 | 32 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
10% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION AT 30-40 MPH. *TT
NHTSA ODI report, 20021001
4% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
A DEFECTIVE CONTROL MODULE IN THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM CAN MALFUNCTION. IF THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM IS BEING USED TO ACTIVATE THE EXTERIOR LIGHT (INCLUDING HEADLAMPS), THE HEADLAMPS COULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT W
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE "AUTOLAMP" CONTROL MODULE. OWNERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE MANUAL HEADLAMP SWITCH UNTIL THE CONTROL MODULE CAN BE REPLACED.
Campaign 96V009000 — check if this car was fixed
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEV
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROTATION AND THOSE SHAFTS WITH RESTRICTED ROTATION WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHORTER SHAFT THAT WILL NOT RESTRICT ROTATION.
Campaign 96V176000 — check if this car was fixed
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598,...
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Campaign 16E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V009000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V176000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Lincoln Continental is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is suspension:front, accounting for 10% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Lincoln Continental have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.